I dare you to read the whole thing . . .

We just got back from their wedding.

It was fun.
I didn't take a single picture!
Can you believe it?

However, I took enough pictures of our 4th of July to fill 10 posts.
I don't feel like writing 10 posts, so you will get this marathon of pics in one post.
Feel free to jump ship whenever you feel necessary.


I won't be offended.

We spent our 4th of July at our family cabin.


So perfect.
I spent so much of my childhood running around this place with siblings and cousins.
It was fun to bring my own children there.
I love all the little quirky details and funny objects that bring back so many great memories.



We spent our days relaxing,



riding bikes,



going on nature walks


(I promise Andy had fun),

picking wildflowers for Mommy (very sweet),

eating yummy foods


(breakfast must be eaten with your camping hat on),


sitting by a roaring fire (my favorite),



taking a trip to Big Springs to feed the big fish



. . . . fish?


(apparently the fish have been overtaken by giant seagulls. grrrr. oh well, the kids enjoyed it anyways),



We enjoyed the sights and sounds of the woods


the wild strawberries,


the new growth on the baby trees,


and the sunlight streaming through to the forest floor,



and of course some fireworks!



We covered ourselves in blankets to keep the mosquitoes away and our bodies toasty.



The show was even more beautiful underneath this sky.


The perfect fourth of July evening.

It was so hard to leave this little retreat in the woods.


Can't wait to go back.

Good ol' Summertime

Summer is FINALLY here and we couldn't be more excited!


That means bare feet!


Moms' favorite thing to do. She is unfortunately handing it down to her children.
Oops.


It means that we got to go to a baseball game with our awesome neighbors!


Apparently 3 out of 4 of us don't know how to look at a camera.


Wow.

It means that the boys have to have their evening romp in their underwear.

Good thing we have those awesome neighbors that don't mind a little underwear flashing.


Today we are taking a little break from all the summer fun.

The little one is a little sick and all he wants is a little rest on the couch,


his favorite shows, and maybe a nap.



How's your summer so far?

Things We Love Lately

Oh man, today has been one of those days.

I really just need to get over myself and realize that I really do love my life and the things and people in it!

Here goes . . .

I love damask.

Have I mentioned that before ;)

I have a serious love affair with the stuff and I need some serious help.

I spray painted this salt shaker white

and I was planning on leaving it . . . white.
Found a damask vinyl sticker in my drawer.
Oops. How did it end up on that salt shaker??

My little sister (not so little anymore - she's 20 years old! what?) gives me her old clothes.
She's still trendy and cute and likes to help out her frumpy sister every once in awhile.
Thank you.
She gave me this damask jacket!!


Hello!
Was this thing made for me or what!!
This is the only reason I am sad that summer has finally showed its' face.

You want to know how addicted I am to damask?? I actually got some pink and brown damask fabric to make a baby blanket for my baby girl. Do you see the problem here!! I don't have a baby girl. I may never have a girl. I guess whoever can convince me that they love damask as much as I do may get it for a baby present.

Andy loves spying on our neighbors.

I love my lilac scented candle.


I want to plant a whole field of lilac bushes in my yard.
Not gonna happen in this little yard.
Until that day comes I have this lovely smelling candle.
It also used to be my moms' candle. It reminds me of home. Sigh.

Christopher is still loving his swimming lessons.

I love that the people who sold us their house left these beautiful flowers that bloom every summer.


I'm guessing they are lilies? Am I right?

I love this little handful.


He has Davin and I doubled over with laughter every day.


Doesn't everybody think their kids are the cutest and the funniest and the smartest. Funny how that works.

See, this post already made me feel better.

What do you love lately?

What are you doing??

This is what we have been up to lately . . . . .

Christopher has been asking lots of questions. LOTS of questions.


I never realized how dumb I truly am. I'm learning a lot.

Andy has been getting a lot of "car washes" from his big brother.

Davin and I have gotten back on the exercising bandwagon. We are so diligent and I am so proud of us :)

First swimming lessons.

The boys have fun watching Dad mow the lawn.

We said goodbye to our beloved dinosaur pool after a deadly popping :)
The boys love their new spraying swimming pool


(Thanks Grandma Catmull)

My grandma had some heart surgery and is doing well.


We love her so much.

What are you up to??

First time . . . . .

tasting sparkling water :)